Category: International News

In response to escalating smuggling activities, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port following the seizure of illicit goods worth ₦31.2 billion. Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, addressing the media, revealed the interception of twelve containers containing dangerous items, including military-grade boots, codeine-based cough syrup, tramadol, and other prohibited pharmaceuticals.

This seizure follows a pattern of increasing attempts by criminal elements to exploit Nigeria’s trade-friendly policies, posing a significant threat to national security. Adeniyi expressed concern over the port’s use as a hub for smuggling illicit goods, despite recent seizures of a large cache of arms. He stressed that these activities jeopardize the nation’s security and health, prompting the Customs Service to take decisive action.

The seized goods, discovered through intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, underline the severity of the situation. As part of the emergency measures, all suspected containers will undergo thorough inspections for the next three months, with unclaimed containers being opened for examination.

Adeniyi assured that while these protocols are in place, legitimate businesses will not be affected. He urged the public to provide intelligence on smuggling activities, reaffirming the NCS’s dedication to protecting the nation’s borders. The intercepted pharmaceuticals will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and action.

The Comptroller-General lauded the efforts of the officers at Area 2 Command for their vigilance and commitment, emphasizing the NCS’s resolve to continue cracking down on illegal importation and safeguarding Nigeria’s security.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun Area Command, under the leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD, FCIA, FNIM, has made significant strides in both revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities. During the period from June 14th to August 29th, 2024, the Command achieved a total revenue collection of ₦18.07 billion. This figure includes ₦13.31 billion generated in June and July and an additional ₦4.77 billion collected in August. When combined with the ₦30.66 billion collected between January and May 2024, the total revenue for the year so far reaches ₦48.74 billion—a 2.74% increase compared to the ₦47.41 billion collected during the same period in 2023.

The improved revenue performance is attributed to enhanced monitoring and enforcement, strategic collaboration with stakeholders, and the adoption of advanced technologies. These efforts have streamlined operations, reduced bottlenecks, and strengthened the Command’s ability to detect and prevent revenue leakages.

In addition to its financial achievements, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has intensified its anti-smuggling operations. Between June 14th and August 29th, 2024, the Command intercepted and seized various contraband goods, including 2,448 wraps and 11 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, valued at ₦148.93 million. These items have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Oyo State, demonstrating effective interagency collaboration.

Moreover, the Command received approval to auction 40,915 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value of ₦27.89 million. The auction was part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect the economy from the risks associated with illicit trade.

Dr. Oramalugo highlighted the Command’s commitment to adopting technological innovations and fostering collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders, and the general public. He emphasized that these measures are crucial in countering the evolving tactics of smugglers and securing economic stability.

As the Command looks ahead, Dr. Oramalugo reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service. He extended his gratitude to key supporters, including the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, Traditional Rulers in Oyo and Osun States, Sister Security Agencies, Sister Units of the Customs Service, and other stakeholders, for their ongoing support and collaboration.

In conclusion, Dr. Oramalugo assured that the Command would continue to leverage technology and innovative practices, in line with the new NCS Act of 2023, to further enhance its operations and deliver on its mandate.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over 72 bags of cannabis sativa, each weighing 40 kilograms, along with four suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command. The suspects include three Ghanaians and one Beninese national.

The interception, which took place on August 25, 2024, was carried out by NNS BEECROFT’s Quick Response Team following credible intelligence on suspicious activities around the Lekki Beach area. The operation resulted in the seizure of 2,880 kilograms of cannabis sativa.

Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, Commander of NNS BEECROFT, represented by Navy Captain Mutalib Raji, highlighted that the arrest was part of the Nigerian Navy’s strategic directive under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla to ensure a secure maritime environment. The operation underscores NNS BEECROFT’s commitment to combating illicit drug activities along Lagos waterways.

Captain Raji warned against the perpetuation of illegal drug activities, reaffirming the Navy’s determination to clamp down on criminal elements threatening national security and public health. The successful operation reflects the Navy’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of illicit drugs among Nigerian youth.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has urged Nigerians to prioritize the construction of local vessels as a strategic move to enhance international trade and support the maritime industry. Adeniyi made this call on Thursday during the Annual Finance Conference organized by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) in collaboration with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) in Lagos.

Represented by Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Command, Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of vessels in facilitating efficient international trade. He noted that with the current scarcity of foreign larger vessels, there is a pressing need to focus on developing smaller, locally constructed vessels.

Adeniyi highlighted the importance of supporting vessel construction within the country, stating that it is vital for the growth and sustainability of the maritime industry. He pointed out that the introduction of barge operations by the Customs Service has already contributed to easing cargo movement, creating a significant investment opportunity in the maritime sector.

“We should look inwards, particularly at this time when we are experiencing scarce resources. Mr. President is encouraging us to promote homegrown technology and move forward,” Adeniyi said. “We need to appreciate locally constructed vessels. We don’t need to wait until we build bigger vessels to demonstrate our expertise. Starting with smaller vessels, the low-hanging fruits, is a practical and necessary step.”

The Customs CG’s call aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader initiative to encourage local innovation and reduce reliance on foreign resources, especially in critical sectors like maritime.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) dedication to transparency and merit-based promotions as the 2024 promotion examinations for officers and men commenced this week. Speaking during an inspection visit to one of the examination venues at SASCON in Maitama District, Abuja, on August 20, 2024, CGC Adeniyi assured that the Service will uphold the rigorous standards that have become synonymous with its promotion exercises.

“We are committed to applying the same rigorous standards as in the previous promotion exercise, which was widely recognized for its fairness. Our goal remains to ensure that every deserving candidate is promoted on merit,” Adeniyi stated during his visit.

Emphasizing the importance of transparency, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the security measures implemented to maintain the examination’s integrity. “We are ready to put in enough effort to ensure tight security in the venues and essentialize the arrangements. We’ve done enough to ensure that we build a lot of integrity into the process, thus, we want them to believe in the outcome of promotion exams,” he added.

With limited vacancies available for Deputy Comptroller and Comptroller positions, Adeniyi acknowledged the competitive nature of this year’s promotion cycle. However, he assured that the NCS is determined to identify and promote the most qualified officers.

To ensure inclusivity, CGC Adeniyi confirmed that technological provisions had been made for officers posted abroad, allowing them to participate in the examination simultaneously with their counterparts in Nigeria. “We have a few candidates who are not in the country, and we have made significant efforts to apply some technological approach to engage them in the examination process at the same time with their colleagues in Nigeria, through the assistance of the National Intelligence Agency,” he explained.

The Comptroller-General reiterated that the promotion exercise is not only statutory but also crucial to maintaining the high standards of the NCS. “Every eligible officer will be promoted based on their performance. Whoever is deemed to have done well can rest assured that their promotion will fairly be granted as it will be based on merit,” he concluded.

The 2024 promotion exercise is expected to uphold the NCS’s reputation for fairness, integrity, and dedication to recognizing the hard work and qualifications of its officers.